Aceh Tsunami Survivors Leave Tents

February 15, 2005

by Kevin Caruso

Tsunami survivors in the province of Aceh, Indonesia, have begun leaving their tents to live in wooden barracks.

More than 400,000 Aceh residents have been displaced after losing their homes because of the tsunami. And after living in tents for almost two months, the move to the barracks is a welcomed improvement for almost everyone.

"Even though conditions are like this, we can at least call it home," said one woman. “Life in the tents was poor, especially during rain.”

Residents will live in the barracks for up to two years as they await the reconstruction of their communities.

Each barrack has about 12 rooms and a corrugated roof. And each room has a window, a door, and electricity.

The government plans on constructing 803 barracks by March 15th. So far, 273 are completed.

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